There is always another side to the story. Just ask the wolf as he explains the real story of his encounter with the three little pigs.

The familiar takes a turn for the funny this year when the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre Children's Performance Troupe presents "The True Stories of the Three Little Pigs and the Frog Prince (cont'd)" and "The Short Tree and the Bird Who Could Not Sing."

"True Story" opens in the DeWitt Studio Theatre at HopeCollege at 10:30 a.m. on June 29, while "The Short Tree" opens at 10:30 a.m. on July 6, also in the DeWitt Studio Theatre.

Familiar fair tales take a strange turn when they fall in the hands of writer Jon Scieszka, who was also the originator of last's year hit, "The Stinky Cheese Man." Playwright Kent Stephens returns to Scieszka's work by combining two popular books by the acclaimed children's writers into one musical.

With music ranging from Johnny Cash influenced songs to rap, and a bluesy character going by the name of B.B. Wolf, this is a musical as different as the stories it is based on.

"The True Stories of the Three Little Pigs and the Frog Prince (cont'd)" shows at 10:30 a.m. June 29, July 1, 11, 20, 25, August 3, 8, and 12. Shows at 1:30 p.m. are on August 1, 5, and 10. The production is directed by Terri Filips with musical direction by Joe Turbessi.

Denis Foon's popular "The Short Tree and The Bird Who Could Not Sing" tells the funny and touching story of a tree which resents its roots and a bird with a horrible singing voice.

The pairing of misfits opens up wider avenues to the rest of the world as the two begin to view themselves and others in a new light.

Directed by Laurel Geotzinger with choreography by Kate Geotzinger.

"The Short Tree and The Bird Who Could Not Sing" shows at 10:30 a.m. on July 6, 8, 13, 18, 27, August 1, 5, and 10. Shows at 1:30 p.m. are on August 3, 8, and 12.

Tickets for all seats and audience members are $7. The ticket office is located in the DeWittCenter, on the HopeCollege campus, at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue in Holland. Season coupons for children, which include both children's shows and a ticket to "Seussical the Musical," are just $18. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and one hour before all showtimes. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 616-395-7890. Most shows for the Children's Performance Troup sellout ahead of time, so audience members are strongly encouraged to call and reserve tickets first. For more information visit www.hope.edu/hsrt[2].